Course Description
Designed to help theatre majors navigate their college careers at UGA as well as prepare them for life post-graduation, while situating theatre in the liberal arts tradition. Theatre majors develop skills that can be applied to many professional arenas, both in the entertainment industry and beyond.
Athena Title
Theatre Discipline Profession
Prerequisite
Permission of major
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will: * explore the multiple aspects of theatre training offered at UGA and develop a college academic plan; * acquire an awareness of the many career paths available to students who study theatre, in the arts, entertainment industry, education, and other fields; * become familiar with the professional standards, protocol, and procedures of working in the theatre and the performing arts; * be introduced to concepts and best practices for creating a safe, respectful, working environment; * effectively demonstrate critical thinking through analysis of theatre and performance through written assignments, discussion, and practical exercises; * create an effective portfolio project (including CV and/or resume); * develop a preliminary five-year plan; * identify and engage with a faculty mentor; * understand one’s own study and learning habits and improve upon them.
Topical Outline
Unit 1: Theatre, Its Aesthetic, Its Process A. An introduction to the theatre major and an understanding of the different degrees offered at UGA and beyond (B.A., B.F.A., M.A., M.F.A., D.F.A., Ph.D.) B. What is art? How do we define art? How do we differentiate between art that is “good” and “bad”? C. Elements of Drama D. Creating a Cohesive Production/Collaboration in a Safe, Respectful, Working Environment Unit 2: What Does our Department Offer During Your Time Here? A. Generalist Track; Department Opportunities and Career Options B. Acting Track; Department Opportunities and Career Options C. Directing/Stage Management Track; Department Opportunities and Career Options D. Design Track; Department Opportunities and Career Options E. Writing Track; Department Opportunities and Career Options F. Animation Track; Department Opportunities and Career Options G. Theory/History/Dramaturgy Track; Department Opportunities and Career Options Unit 3: Planning Your College and Career Goals A. Planning Your College Career - Student Groups, Leadership Roles, Roles of Faculty, Staff, and Administration; Choosing a Mentor B. Resumes, Portfolios, Headshots, CV C. Planning Goals Post Graduation - Five-Year Plan, Finances, Life Skills, Budgeting D. Interview Skills, Using the Career Center
Syllabus